It’s Dietitians Week (22-28 March) and Territorians are being encouraged to eat healthier and make better informed food choices.
Millie Feeney, Senior Public Health Dietitian and Nutritionist, said dietitians can provide evidence based nutrition advice personalised for your needs. This can help people make better food choices and improve their health and wellbeing.
“Dietitians Week is the perfect time to remind people that small changes amongst individuals and workplaces can make to benefit their health and the health of their community,” Mrs Feeney said.
“When people are trying to kick-start healthy habits, its important Territorians are getting the right dietary advice.”
Mrs Feeney had these tips to help with healthy eating:
- Swap soft drinks for water
“Having less sugary drinks can reduce your overall intake of calories without making you hungry. Water is the best choice, but if you are not ready to give up soft drink just yet maybe try a smaller size or a diet version of your favourite drink.” she said.
- Flavour up with herbs and spices.
“Most Australian adults eat double the recommended amount of salt, consuming less salt can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Replace salt by trying ‘over flavouring’ by adding lots of low salt extras to your meal like chilli, garlic, herbs, spices, pepper, lemon or vinegar.”
- Get going with extra vegetables.
“Ensuring you consume enough vegetables in your diet is not only good for your health but can also make you feel better, but only 5.5% of Australian adults manage to meet the guideline. Small things like adding a side salad to your meal or before dinner can increase your intake of vegetables by nearly a quarter.”
Mrs Feeney recommended Territorians get information from Live Lighter as it contains valuable smarter eating tips as well as recipes and a free family meal plan.
“These changes are not just up to individuals. The food environment can have a big effect on what people eat. Wherever we can make the healthy choice the easy choice that’s going to help people make the changes they want to make.
“For example, workplaces can support their workers by having healthy food easily available in the workplace instead of snacks and soft drinks.”
NT Health’s Healthy Choices Made Easy Guide can help workplaces by providing information on healthy foods workplaces can stock in their kiosks, vending machines and canteens.
Find your local Accredited Practising Dietitian here: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/find-an-apd
Media contact: Russel Guse 0436 933 810